How To Solve Detective Crisis

There needs to be a national conversation about incentivising officers to become detectives, the Chair of South Yorkshire Police Federation has said.

Steve Kent was speaking following the Police Federation National Detective Forum’s virtual seminar on 13 June. The seminar heard ongoing concerns about the wellbeing, retention and recruitment of investigators across the police service.

Steve said: “Twenty-two years ago, when I joined the job, it was a badge of honour to be a detective, and it was really competitive. Now it feels like the organisation is desperate for people to be detectives.

“That means we might not get the right people in, because I think it takes a certain mindset to be a detective. I couldn’t do it, and I marvel at the work they do. They are incredible with their attention to detail and organisation skills.

“But they’re not recognised for it. Detectives are used to working ridiculous hours, they’re used to putting their family life on hold if a murder comes in.

“We need to start having a conversation nationally, not just in our force, about incentivising people to be detectives. I’m wary of bonuses, because I think they’re divisive. But a national incentive to do the training to be a detective might be a good idea to get the numbers up.”